Medicare changes every year, and 2026 brings several updates that affect your premiums, drug costs, and coverage options. Most seniors will see modest premium increases, but new drug pricing rules may offset those costs — especially for anyone on expensive medications.

What's Changing in 2026

What Changed20252026
Part B Premium$185.00/moUpdated (check Medicare.gov)
Part A Deductible$1,676Updated annually
Part D Out-of-Pocket Cap$2,000$2,000 (new cap effective 2025+)
Extra Help Income Limit150% FPLUpdated — check eligibility

The $2,000 Part D out-of-pocket cap is one of the biggest changes in years. If you take expensive specialty medications, this single rule could save you thousands annually. Check with your plan to understand how it applies to your specific drugs.

How These Changes Affect You

Part B premiums adjust annually based on Medicare trustees' projections. Check your Social Security benefit statement or Medicare.gov for your exact 2026 amount.

Part D drug costs are capped at $2,000 out-of-pocket per year — a major win for seniors on high-cost medications who previously faced unlimited costs.

Medicare Advantage plans change their networks, benefits, and premiums each year. If you have an Advantage plan, review your Annual Notice of Change carefully.

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What You Can Do Right Now

  • Review your Annual Notice of Change if you have Medicare Advantage or Part D
  • Compare plans during Open Enrollment (Oct 15 – Dec 7)
  • Check your MSP eligibility — income limits update annually and you may now qualify
  • Run the Medicare Savings Estimator to see if premium assistance is available to you

Medicare Savings Programs Also Update in 2026

Medicare Savings Programs (MSP) income limits adjust each year. If you were just over the limit before, you may qualify now. MSP can eliminate your Part B premium entirely — that's over $2,200 in annual savings for those who qualify.